In response to the devastating barn fire that occurred on Tuesday morning, Saratoga Casino Hotel announces a coordinated response that includes a $100,000 donation, upcoming fundraising efforts, and a memorial service to honor the horses lost in the tragedy.
READ: Horses Die in Saratoga Harness Track Barn Fire
A $100,000 donation will be made to the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association to support horsemen, trainers, staff, and backstretch workers impacted by the fire.
"This contribution will be used to support those affected as they begin the long process of recovery in the aftermath of an unimaginable tragedy," said Henry Westbrook Jr, president of the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association. "We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support from the community and in particular this generous donation from Saratoga Casino Hotel."
In addition, Saratoga Casino Hotel will host fundraising opportunities throughout its Sunset Saturday Series, running from July 11 through August 29, to further support those impacted by the disaster. Information regarding the Sunset Saturday Series is available at SaratogaCasino.com.
Saratoga Casino Hotel is also planning a memorial service to honor the 17 horses lost in the fire. Details regarding the service will be announced in the coming days.
"Racing is the foundation of our company's history. My father and grandfather were in the harness racing industry, and for us this isn't just a business--it has been part of our family's livelihood for generations," said Sam Gerrity, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Casino Hotel. "Although our contribution cannot relieve the pain felt by those so closely impacted, we hope our efforts and support help ease the sorrow as they move forward."
Horses to Be Honored at Memorial Service: Arlanda, Conquest As, Crazy Jet, Five Star Lou, Free Willy Hanover, Gimlet Hanover, Influencer, Lyons Dukey, Muscle Dynasty, Our Father Lindy, Perfect Bang, Quite Like Me, Race Me Bombshell, Shalamar Hanover, Trackstar, Tropical Cyclone, and Red.
NYRA Announces Charitable Campaign of Support
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced a charitable campaign to support the trainers, staff and backstretch workers impacted by Tuesday morning's devastating barn fire at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track.
The dual initiative will first include a $50,000 charitable contribution made by NYRA to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association to assist those affected by the tragedy.
In addition, NYRA will host a fundraiser at Saratoga Race Course beginning on Friday, July 3, Opening Day of the summer meet. Fans in attendance will have an opportunity to purchase a specially designed T-shirt to support those impacted by the fire. The shirt will be available on-track in the Official NYRA Store and online beginning Friday, June 19.
NYRA will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from all T-shirt sales to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association.
The shirts will be available for purchase at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track during its Sunset Saturday Series from July 11 to August 29.
The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) also announced it will contribute $10,000 to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association to support these efforts.
"The New York horse racing community is united by a shared commitment to the horses and the people who care for them," said David O'Rourke, NYRA President and CEO. "NYRA extends its deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragic event. We are proud to partner with the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association to provide meaningful support to our neighbors at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track during this difficult time."
"We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary support shown by our community in the aftermath of the recent barn fire," said Sam Gerrity, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Casino Hotel. "We extend our sincere appreciation to NYRA for their assistance on the day of the incident and, in particular, for their generous contribution to support the horsemen most directly impacted by this tragedy. This contribution is a meaningful demonstration of the solidarity that defines our racing community, and we are thankful for NYRA's continued support during this difficult period."
Henry Westbrook Jr., President of the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association, thanked NYRA and the racing community for their support.
"This is a devastating loss for everyone involved, and the outpouring of support from across the racing industry means a great deal to those affected," Westbrook said. "The assistance provided through this effort will help our trainers, caretakers and staff as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy. On behalf of the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association, I want to thank NYRA, NYTHA and racing fans for standing with our community."
"When heartbreak strikes our neighbors, the entire New York racing family responds," said NYTHA President Tina Bond. "NYTHA is proud to contribute to this collective effort, and we stand fully alongside the harness community as they begin the difficult process of recovery."
This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions please contact the organization that produced the release.
